Generic Albuterol and Other Inhalers Soon to be Extinct !

Did you know that certain inhalers for asthma presently used to relieve symptoms are being phased out? Inhalers such as generic Albuterol will no longer be available for asthma treatment after current inventories run out.

In September of 1987 the U.S. and more than 20 other nations signed a treaty called the Montreal Protocol, to reduce and eventually eliminate man-made chlorines, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Major products containing CFCs are refrigerator units, aerosol hair sprays and metered dose inhalers (MDIs). CFCs in inhalers are propellants which mix (when the canister is shaken) with the active drug to facilitate expulsion from the canister.

CFCs travel from the earth’s surface to the stratosphere where light rays from the sun lead to a chemical reaction which results in the formation a radical form of chlorine (an ion) which may erode the ozone layer surrounding the earth. The ozone layer above the polar regions of earth is particularly vulnerable. A hole was first noted in the polar ozone layer in the 1970’s. This hole has been widening over the years. It is believed that more damaging ultraviolet light rays pass through to the earth surface as a result of the deficiency of the ozone layer.

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established that by year 2075 the ultraviolet rays could result in 150 million new cases of skin cancer nation wide. Three million deaths may result from these cancers. Other health problems such as cataracts and impairment of the immune system may also result from excessive ultraviolet light exposure.

Since the Montreal Protocol addressing the formation of man-made CFCs and other possible ozone depleting gases took place, subsequent meetings have established several more amendments. Asthma inhalers containing CFCs were initially exempt from being banned because of the lack of alternative medications. Over the last ten years a number of non-CFC containing inhalers have become available. Hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) containing aerosol inhalers are now available. A number of dry powder inhalers (not requiring a propellant) have been formulated. Very soon only these alternatives will be available for asthma treatment. Only brands of the above medications (HFA and dry powder inhalers) will be prescribed once supplies of generic Albuterol are depleted.

There are no generic forms of these alternative agents. Proventil HFA, ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA and Xopenex HFA inhalers are currently available for relieving symptoms of asthma and for preventing exercise induced asthma.

For more info.: www.aaaai.org/patients/inhalertransition/for_patients.asp